Report: MAN-APE Cast for Marvel's BLACK PANTHER

By Chris Arrant, Editor September 29, 2016 06:05am ET

Credit: Marvel Comics

Credit: CBS

Winston Duke has been cast as Man-Ape for Marvel Studios' Black Panther, according to Variety. Best known for his role in the television series Person of Interest, Duke reportedly beat out several other actors for the role including The Get Down's Yahya Abdul-Mateen II.

Man-Ape, otherwise known as M'Baku, was created for 1969's Avengers #62 by Roy Thomas and John Buscema. In comic books, M'Baku was a Wakandian warrior said to be second only to Black Panther, but was ostracized after a failed coup attempt as part of the White Gorilla Cult, a group opposed to the ruling Black Panther cult.

Duke is best known for his role in CBS's Person of Interest, but also appeared recently the CW's The Messengers and TNT's Major Crimes.

Black Panther is scheduled to begin filming in January, for an anticipated theatrical release February 16, 2018.